Free Festival Gigs
Tuesday 30 August 2011, 5:37PM
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Soul singer Hollie Smith and rockers Midnight Youth, together with local favourites The Phoenix Foundation and the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will perform for free in the Festival of Carnivale during Rugby World Cup 2011.
Fans can catch the free gigs and other entertainment at the official Rugby Village fan zone centred around Te Raukura (the Wharewaka) on Wellington's waterfront from 9 September - 9 October, as well as Courtenay Place during quarter-finals weekend (8 - 9 October).
Festival of Carnivale Producer Andy Scotland says the entertainment is all part of a fantastic line-up of 'off-the-field' events.
"The fanzone will showcase a range of pre-match entertainment and performances on the purpose-built stage and the big screen will show live coverage of all rugby games.
It will be a hub of activity for fans eager to share in the excitement of the Tournament."
It all kicks off on Friday 9 September with an evening packed full of activity. The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra will perform before live coverage of the opening ceremony in Auckland and the New Zealand vs Tonga match.
"We have more than 150 events taking place in and around Wellington during the festival. Major events include: Port Nicholson's Festival of Sails, caricatures of the New Zealand French teams by a visiting French artist and a 'one-weekend-only' sticky Tape Art mural on the side of Te Papa."
A Civic Village in the Town Hall and Civic Square will feature family-friendly entertainment including community and multicultural groups, weekend screenings of the games, old movies and music.
For more information on Festival of Carnivale events, go to: